"You are sure this change will not alter your feeling toward me?" he asked anxiously.
"I think not."
Frederic Vernon went upstairs to prepare for tea. Soon after he came down he met Robert, as already mentioned.
He was certainly very much surprised at the youthful appearance of the new secretary, and he was not altogether free from jealousy.
"Have you ever filled the position of secretary before?" he asked abruptly.
"No, Mr. Vernon."
"I supposed not. How old are you?"
"Sixteen."
"Humph! How long since did you lay aside short pants?"
"Frederic!" said his aunt, in a tone of displeasure. "I desire you to drop this tone. I expect you to treat your successor with courtesy. You have nothing to complain of."